In this banjo lesson we’ll take a look at a great arrangement of the traditional tune, Whiskey Before Breakfast. The tune is in the key of D Major and we are in standard ‘gDGBD’ tuning. This is a popular session tune, and in this arrangement we’ll be using the single-string & melodic techniques – and the bonus – no re-tuning required!
While this is a Pickin’ Lessons arrangement, we do stay reasonably close to the melody, with some embellishment. Part A of the arrangement features the single-string technique and stays in the lower tones of the banjo. As we move into part B, we’ll move up the neck using the melodic technique to tackle the melody. I would suggest this tune is for the advanced intermediate student, as playing this tune up to tempo can certainly be a challenge. As part of the full lesson we’ll break down the techniques required to fluently play the tune.
The first video lesson is available free below.The full lesson is available to members, which includes:
- 2 video lessons;
- The PDF tab for the entire arrangement, plus the Guitar Pro file;
- Plus an MP3 audio track to download at full tempo.
The PDF tab only is also available to purchase separately below:
Lesson #1:
- Preview & introduction;
- Learn part A;
- Cover technique & exercises.
Lesson #2:
- Learn the melody for part B;
- Left-hand positions & technique.
Whiskey Before Breakfast: Banjo Lesson #2